JANUARY 22, 2014 • THEONLINECLARION.COM • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 9 • MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE NEWS
ARTS
SPORTS
Governor signs bill while visiting Madison College
Student shares experiences from studying abroad »9
Women’s basketball team continues hot streak »13
Gov. Scott Walker stopped at Madison College last month to sign a bill that is meant to help health education students upon their graduation. »3
Taser resolution passed by board DANIEL HERRON Multimedia Editor The resolution for allowing fulltime Public Safety at the college to carry Tasers was passed this month and full-timers started to carry them on campus prior to the first day of classes. The resolution was passed at this month’s Madison College District Board meeting on Jan. 8. Little has changed since the passage of the resolution. Officers say it has been a busy week for everyone, but the presence of the non-lethal devices hasn’t seemed to have much
of an impact. Very few incidents requiring physical intervention occur here at Madison College, but McFarlane hasn’t received any complaints either. “Nobody wants a distraction from the learning environment,” said Lt. James McFarlane of Madison College Public Safety. There has been a lot of debate over the resolution and subsequent arming of our Public Safety officers, but McFarlane sees it as a boon. “It shows that the administration cares about us and values us,” McFarlane said. McFarlane added one of the pri-
mary purposes of arming his men and women with Tasers is for their own protection and safety. He also said giving them a nonlethal option other than their own clenched fists makes them a lot safer, especially at night when at times only one officer is on duty. He added it makes a difference in that officer’s peace of mind. Some concern has been raised about the idea that arming them with Tasers is simply a way to open the discussion about arming them with firearms. McFarlane said he doesn’t » SEE TASER PAGE 5
STUDENT PROFILE: HEATHER SERFOSS
Driven to a new career MICHAEL KLEIN / CLARION
Madison College student Heather Serfoss works during an Auto Collision program course.
Student shifts gears to find a career she loves JESSICA KEOPHILOVANH Staff Writer Heather Serfoss said when she first considered going back to school, she wasn’t sure about the idea. She pictured the ever-taxing moments of motivating yourself to continue to pursue an education while pushing through the challenges college has to offer. However, Serfoss, now almost 40, has given herself a new start with a new career after coming back to school. That career will be her third. But she is determined to carve out her own life here at Madison College through the Auto Collision program. As she puts it, she does not want to fit into the “cookie cutter” image that is sometimes projected on indi-
viduals once they become adults. “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Serfoss said. “We’ve just got to find that niche that drives us and makes us happy and Heather Serfoss run with it.” She said starting college after years away seemed exhausting at first, yet she has found her niche and is pleased to be pursing a career that will make her happy.
Prior to entering the Auto Collision program, Serfoss had worked in two different fields. She completed an apprenticeship with Ultimate Arts and became an awardwinning tattoo artist. Eventually, she decided to go a different route. She chose to become a CNA because many people told her jobs in the medical field are the ones that would never go away. But after working as a CNA for Mendota Hospital, she realized that the medical field wasn’t for her. Serfoss then made a trip out to Georgia to visit her father’s side of the family, and discovered her grandfather was a master mechanic for the Marine Special Forces. This » SEE DRIVEN PAGE 5
RYAN SPOEHR / CLARION
Public Safety officer Joseph Steffan on his rounds of the Truax campus wearing a taser on his left hip.
Student Senate will welcome U.S. Rep. Pocan RYAN SPOEHR News Editor Mark Pocan, now a U.S. representative, is coming to the Truax campus to attend the next Student Senate assembly meeting. The meeting this Thursday, Jan. 23, will take place in the Student Lounge due to the boardroom in the administration building being closed for renovations. Student Senate meetings, including this one, start at 4:30 p.m., but students are encouraged to be there as early as 4 p.m. “Originally, he was going to speak on just financial needs, but we modified and are calling it, ‘Leader to Future Leaders,’” said Caroline Russell, the vice president of legislaU.S. Rep. Mark Pocan tive affairs for the Student Senate. This “Leader to Future Leaders” is meant to have Pocan speak to students both on the senate and off. The Student Senate is encouraging the entire student body to attend, especially those in other campus organizations. The event is meant to bring leaders and students together for Pocan to share his experiences and advice with them. “It is very exciting,” Russell said. “We have been trying to make it real low-key. Although our assembly meetings are open to the public, we wanted to keep the meeting.” Russell was one of the primary senators who set up the Pocan appearance. She works in the capital and has worked with the Pocan campaign in the past. “I would say he is my favorite politician,” Russell said. “He always votes for what’s in our (the students’) favor.” Pocan has shown support for the Perkins Act » SEE POCAN PAGE 5
2 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 NEWS ROOM
THE CLARION
CAMPUSUPDATES By Clarion Staff
Preacher Moss End of Racism Tour
THE STUDENT VOICE OF MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2013-2014 Michael Klein EDITOR IN CHIEF
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SUBMISSIONS To submit an item for publication, drop it off at The Clarion office, Room C1410 Truax and Room D237 Downtown, or email it to clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All opinions expressed in editorials and advertisements do not necessarily represent those of the Madison College administration, faculty, the student body or the Clarion staff. CORRECTIONS The Clarion strives for accuracy in all of its articles. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at (608) 246-6809 or email: clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. MEMBERSHIPS Associated Collegiate Press Wisconsin Newspaper Association REMEMBERING Adam Lee Suby, 1987-2009 Philip Ejercito, 1981-2013
Preacher Moss will bring his End of Racism Tour to the Truax cafeteria on Jan. 23 from noon-1 p.m. The objective of the tour is to develop dialogue between all groups to quash racism.
Diversity is …
The college is developing a college-wide definition of diversity and will seek out student input in two informative sessions and discussions in Truax classrooms later this month. There will be two brainstorming student sessions. The first will take place on Jan. 28 from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. in Room D2634. On Jan. 29, there will be a second session at the same time in Room C1435. The definition discussed in the sessions will be used to guide the development of a college-wide diversity plan. There will be a free lunch provided for students who attend.
Open Mic at WolfPack Den
The next Open Mic at the WolfPack Den will be on Jan. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For rules and to sign up, go to madisoncollege.collegiatelink.net.
Winter Fest celebration
This year’s Madison College Winter Festival will take place Jan 29-30. The festival kicks off with karaoke in the WolfPack Den on Jan. 29. It will be followed up with food, music and games at the Student Involvement Fair on Jan. 30. Students who take classes in the evening can join for hot chocolate and free snacks.
Next Math Club meeting
The Math Club will hold their next meeting, “Some Things to Know About Mathematical Optimization” on Jan. 31 at 3:30 p.m. in Room A2021. Michael Ferris, a professor at UW-Madison, will speak at the event and lead the discussion.
Hula Hoop Fitness event
The Program and Activities Council is holding Hula Hoop Fitness, an event on campus to give lessons on basic fitness moves using a weighted hula-hoop. While doing the activities, participants may be able to burn up to 500 calories. Hula-hoops will be provided. Sign up can via phone call or text message at (608) 514-6480. The event will be in the Student Lounge at Truax Feb. 5 and 11 from noon-2 p.m.
Snowshoeing workshop
There will be a Building Community Through Snowshoeing workshop held for Madison College students on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The workshop is meant to teach students how to work with others to form an effective team that can meet goals and trust each other. Transportation, equipment and lunch are included. To register, go to surveymonkey.com/s/communitysnowshoeing.
Get help filing your taxes
Madison College students may sign up for free tax preparation and electronic filing right on campus. Appointments are available Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-3:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call (608) 2434310.
Toepper’s humor, passion for teaching remembered ADAM RUKA Staff Writer Lorin Toepper, the director of workforce and development at the West Campus, died of a heart attack earlier this month. Toepper, a college employee since 2001, died of a heart attack on Jan. 3. He was only 53 years old. A 1982 graduate from UW-Madison in EconomicsTransportation, Toepper also had a Masters in Hospitality and Tourism from UW-Stout in 1985. He also earned a Ph.D in Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island TOEPPER in 1991. Toepper was an associate professor in Hospitality at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island. He eventually taught at the University of Clemson and at the University of AlaskaFairbanks. In Alaska, he continued to teach tourism development and marketing while creating and directing the Alaska Institute of Tourism. In 2001, Toepper came to Madison College and became the associate dean of Business and Applied Arts, and primarily worked with the culinary program. His knowledge and experience of culinary arts and his sense of humor made him stand out at the college. “A masterful story teller, he could deliver the punch line to any joke with a poker face,” said Madison College President Jack Daniels in a statement earlier this month. Paul Short, a Madison
College culinary instructor, was close friends with Toepper. He remembered one moment with Toepper sitting on a balcony overlooking the Alps, sipping aged wine and they did not have “a care in the world.” Along with John Johnson, fellow instructor and friend, Toepper put on the Evening of Good Taste to showcase first and second year students in the culinary program. Ultimately, the annual event raised $75,000 in culinary scholarships. After five years as associate dean, Toepper became the executive director of Economic and Workforce Development for the Watertown and Fort Atkinson campuses and later the West Campus. His primary role was to create economic relationships and develop strategies to transition students into skilled workers, much of what he had already done so successfully with the culinary program. Outside of the college, Toepper was the chairperson of Startup Weekend Wisconsin, `a weekend-long event held at the West campus in 2012. He also co-founded the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship in 2012. Although admitting he stole the idea from California, he said, “We’re Wisconsin, we should be doing it.” At his home near Mt. Horeb, Toepper maintained a microfarm, raising chickens and growing vegetables with an entrepreneurial twist. It wasn’t uncommon for Lorin to come into school with eggs, vegetables or a new recipe to share. He also spearheaded Street Food Academy, which began this last fall. The intention was to teach the necessary skills and legal aspects of owning and running a food cart in Dane County.
OFFTHESHELF By Matt Coan, Librarian
Library instruction sessions help you succeed in class As the librarian who coordinates information literacy sessions at Madison College Libraries, I occasionally hear complaints: often second-hand from faculty. Some come by way of assessments that aim to get a sense for how students feel about librarians invading their classes once or twice a semester. Occasionally students blurt out “I know this already,” before they’ve even sat down in the library’s classroom. Part of the problem, I think, is students sometimes misunderstand the purpose of the library visit. Each time we meet with a class for an instruction session, we first discuss objectives for that class with the instructor. Often we have very specific goals in mind: demonstrating how to access a certain type of journal, how to evaluate source material, and almost always, how to save time searching for what you need to complete a research assignment. In other words, the underlying purpose is to introduce you to the tools and help you develop the skills that will make it easier for you to complete your
assignments and succeed in the class. Library instruction sessions are not a “one size fits all” proposition. What you learn about when your Speech class visits the library is different from what you will find out when your Making of Modern Europe class begins research. Among English 1 students who we asked just this past fall semester, more than 80 percent said that their library session introduced them to “a lot of new research options.” “The librarian was extremely kind and helpful,” one student said. “He did an awesome job helping everyone in my class understand the concepts of database research.” Words like “approachable” and “helpful” came up multiple times in student
responses. Especially for those who are new to college-level research, just knowing where to go and whom to ask can make a real difference. Instructors know that this doesn’t necessarily happen automatically, and it’s one of the main reasons why they bring you to us. Another reason is that, just like everything else, libraries keep changing. Our services and resources are constantly being updated in response to student needs. Our databases add “bells and whistles” that are not immediately obvious to some users. Your options for how to access and how to use library services and materials also change from semester to semester. Most of our spaces have been updated in past year. We even have a librarian embedded in the Student Achievement Center at Truax. I am willing to wager few of you knew that one. So, the next time your instructor announces a library visit, please keep an open mind. Either way, we librarians are always happy to see you at Madison College Libraries.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | NEWS | 3
Graduate overcomes challenges of cerebral palsy Aguilar inspires others during his commencement speech RYAN SPOEHR News Editor College is a grind for most students who choose to go onto higher education. But each individual may have issues whether it be with health, family or a job, particularly at a two-year college. Many people move through those challenges to get their degree. Those challenges can be difficult for anyone. Carlos Aguilar, was a student at Madison College until this past fall. He graduated with a degree in the IT Programmer/Analyst program with an emphasis in mobile apps development in December. Aguilar also has cerebral palsy. With his cerebral palsy, he said it was difficult to open some doors at the college, and sometimes in the IT programming area. That was on top of the typical struggles that any student would move through at the college. However, Aguilar was able to maintain success and graduate, become a speaker at the December graduation ceremony and transfer to a high profile aviation school in Florida, despite any challenges that faced him. “I manage it as a soldier,” Aguilar
CARLOS AGUILAR said. He said prioritizing was a main part of his routine while being a student at the college. He said it was important to maintain a healthy diet to maintain a healthy study plan and to study for long periods of time, even well into the night if he had to. “My quote is, ‘I do not sleep until I’ve done my duties as a student,” Aguilar
said. In his time at the college, he did not only have achievements in the classroom. Aguilar became a student senator in March of last year. In the months prior to graduation, he was nominated as a speaker for the commencement ceremony at the Mitby Theater at Truax. After being nominated, Aguilar was chosen as a speaker at the ceremony held Dec. 19. He said he worked hard on the speech, devoting two weeks to it prior to graduation. Performing Arts instructor Mike Lussenden helped in preparation and spoke for part of Aguilar’s speech, but Aguilar spoke for most of the speech. “When I was selected by the speech committee, I cried because my hard work paid off,” Aguilar said. “I agreed because I wanted to relate a successful story of a disabled student (to others.)” He said the intention of his speech wasn’t just to speak in front of the crowd of people. It was to relay a positive message to students and beyond. “The main goal was to motivate everyone that is in this life we can do anything without any excuse.” Following graduation, Aguilar relocated to Daytona Beach, Fla. to attend school at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It is a school that specializes in the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace. It covers the
operation, engineering, research, manufacturing, marketing and management of modern aircraft and the systems that support them, according to the school’s site. There, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. He said he wants to take on this new chapter in his life for two reasons. First, he said he has a great interest in aviation, much like his father. “He was a flight engineer in Ecuador, so I want to be a little (like) him,” Aguilar said. “Second, I would like to work in software engineering in avionics components in NASA, U.S. Air Force or Boeing. My passion is aviation.” Aguilar said he didn’t leave Madison College without positive memories and experiences. “My experience was very good because Madison College teaches us with the strong base to be successful on our higher studies or professional lives,” he said. “I would like to say thanks to everybody who helped me over there. I will never forget the people in Madison College. As Aguilar left Madison College, he left with some words of advice for students, both who have been doing the school thing for a while and the new incoming students. “Don’t give up on your dreams,” he said. “You can do it.”
PUBLICSAFETY By Sgt. Joe Steffen, Crime Prevention Team Leader
What’s happening?
Public Safetyofficers respond to many calls for service and we enjoy communicating our activities to the college community. Here are some of the notable incidents from this past month. On Dec. 13, Public Safety officers responded to a medical emergency and rendered aid. City of Madison paramedics responded and the subject was transported to a local hospital for the injuries.
jACOB ENNIS / CLARION
Gov. Scott Walker (seated) signs bill at the Health Education building as Madison College dignitaries look on.
Governor signs bill for health students RYAN SPOEHR News Editor Prior to the conclusion of the fall semester, Gov. Scott Walker made his first official visit to Truax to sign a new state bill that allows students studying nursing to potentially enter the job force more quickly following graduation. The signing took place in the new Health Education building at the Truax campus. This location was chosen because of the nature of the bill. With this move, nursing students will still have to complete required testing, but can do so earlier than prior to the bill signing. The bill, SB 337, allows nursing students to take their required testing for employment during their last semester of schooling instead of following completion of their program at school. “It’s nice to be in this building,” Walker said. “It really fits together with what we are signing.” The move is intended to create the opportunity for nursing students to apply for jobs sooner rather than later.
“The way it was before the bill signing, let’s say you are in one of our Allied Health programs. You (would) need to complete the program and graduate,” said Mark Lausch, dean of the school of Health Education at Madison College. “Then, you can go ahead and start the process to register for or make an appointment for taking a national board exam or a licensure exam.” College officials said they not only looked at this as a win for students, but as a momentous occasion for the college, especially on the heels of the new Health building opening last fall. “It’s exciting, I think, for everyone,” Lausch said. “The first words that came out of my mouth when I talked with our board members was that this was a moment of pride because many of us put thousands and thousands of hours to planning and research of this building. We’re excited that the governor picked this building (for the bill signing). It’s just a good feeling overall.” The visit to Madison College came on the heels of a tour of the state, Walker
said, that included going to other colleges in the state. “To put it into context, it has been nice the last two weeks we’ve been traveling the state,” Walker said. “We’ve been at other technical colleges across the state really highlighting a number of initiatives we’re signing into law during this 2-2 ½ week period leading up to Christmas that highlight the work that we’re doing promoting better worker training opportunity.” It was bills like SB 337 that further promote his job creation focus during his term as governor, he said. “Really, not only about training and higher education, but to the fill the jobs that not only open the door today, but I think to make a stellar case for employers to grow and take on more work and create more work going forward.” SB 337 was just one of the bills signed by Walker on his December tour of the state. Walker also signed a bill at Nicolet College in Rhinelander on Dec. 18, which created more youth apprenticeship grants.
On Dec. 13, Public Safety officers responded to a disruptive subject in The Salon who was unhappy with the service. He became profane and belligerent at which time Public Safety Officers responded. The situation escalated quickly and Public Safety Officer and Madison Police officer’s had to subdue the subject with physical force. After several minutes of fighting with the subject he was restrained. The subject was arrested and charged with battery. The officers involved sustained minor injuries and damage to uniforms.
Campus Safety Update
After a January board meeting, the board voted to allow full-time Public Safety officers to carry electronic control devices (Taser). This initiative was approved to better equip officers for the situations they respond to and add a tool to protect the college community. If you have any information regarding the above incidents or other campus safety concerns, please contact our department at (608) 245-2222. Public Safety officers are available 24/7.
4 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
THE CLARION
STUDENT PROFILE: KRISTIN ZEIER
Taking initiative
Zeier helps to lead 2 important Senate efforts NICOLE MOUNTS Staff Writer Being part of an organization can be an intimidating experience, especially for those who are already juggling a lot in their personal life in addition to the load of classwork. However, being part of an organization still can be accomplished, even with a ton on the plate. Kristin Zeier of Student Senate is an example of how it can work. Zeier, 27, is the vice president of public relations for Student Senate. She became a Madison College student in 2009 and is in Liberal Arts Transfer program and Interior Design Program. A Madison native, Zeier will be transferring to UW–Madison next fall. She has an 8-year-old son named Aidan, and works as a waitress at Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse. In her position as vice president of public relations, she oversees the public image of the Senate and gets the word out about events and initiatives. She actively recruits students so they become involved and interested in what’s going on around them. Zeier is also the chair for Student Senate’s Food, Health and Safety Committee. Zeier is at the forefront of strategizing the creation of a HoricultureAquaponics initiative at Madison College. She said she hopes to accomplish sustainability with her Farm to Table initiative. “The Food and Health Services Committee is something I’m very passionate about,” she said. Zeier added she would like to see changes regarding food at the college. “One thing I would like to see is Farmers Markets on campus in late spring and early fall,” Zeier said. “Additionally, as something that sprouted as an idea in this committee last year, and has grown to its own entity, is a horticulture club. I’ve been working with other students and faculty on an initiative for a community garden/greenhouse with possibly Aquaponics
involved.” Zeier has been an active member of Student Senate in the past as she held a position as a senator, in 2012-12. She was also a member of Student Senate Commuter Services Committee that year and on the Student Senate Food, Health & Safety Committee as well. Student Senate president Colin Bowden has worked with Zeier in Student Senate. “Kristin is a hard worker, a caring vice president and a spark plug for our senate,” Bowden said. “I am proud to work with her.” As chair of Student Senate Public Relations Committee Kristen along with the other members have recently sponsored events to gather student input on Financial Aid Services at Madison College and will be sponsoring the upcoming Student Senate 52nd Anniversary Celebration and will also co-sponsor a “Good Luck on Final Exams,” featuring wholesome smoothies created by The Whole Bowl at the Truax Campus. As part of the team objectives, the committee will ask students about what it is that helps them feel a sense of belonging at the college. In addition to her initiatives on campus Kristin is going to be a Student Facilitator at this year’s Badger Bioneers Sustainability Networking Conference, hosted by Sustain Dane and UW-Madison. This conference represents a cross-section of community members who gather to explore sustainability and social innovation, through keynote talks, distinguished speakers, facilitated discussions, skill-building activities and workshops. Zeier also helped with the Wisconsin Sustainability Council’s annual conference in December this year. Student Senate advisor Jackie Dahlke said it is a delight to work with Zeier. She said Zeier is intelligent, kind and is a visionary. She also said Zeier is a hard worker as well as a good thinker and planner. “Kristin is someone who mobilizes her beliefs. She
EVAN HALPOP / CLARION
Kristin Zeier speaks at an event at the Truax campus. is constantly learning, not just from her classes, but from opportunities, events, reading and networking among people with diverse perspectives and experiences. I full-well believe that Kristin will make a difference in the lives of many, because that is how she moves through her days now,” Dahlke said. “She is positive and intentional … and she is just getting started.” Zeier said she hopes to accomplish other goals this year as the vice president of public relations including working for lower healthy food costs, more options of food payment, address public relation needs and get the student body more actively involved in issues that affect them. Students are urged to bring ideas to Student Senate meetings. For those interested getting involved with Zeier’s initiatives, contact the Student Senate at senate@madisoncollege.edu or call (608) 246-6107 for more information. Students may also stop by the senate office at Truax in Room C1438.
Student Senate has variety of plans for this semester RYAN SPOEHR News Editor As the new semester commences, Student Senate is pushing some new initiatives and continuing on some old ones. One of the biggest initiatives the senate has been working on is how it shares information with students. Student Senate President Colin Bowden said the use of different forms of media will be crucial to this initiative. Using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will be the crux of the movement. Vice President of Legislative Affairs Caroline Russell said it is important to get the information out there. “We are trying to make sure students are aware of the bills going on that affect them,” Russell said. She said one of the topics of information she would like to bring awareness to is about Senate Bill 776, which would put more money toward voucher schools. She said it potentially could affect money going to items that are technical college related. “Sometimes bills move so fast it’s important to let students know that these bills do affect them,” Russell said. “I always like to throw things out there like that.” Also, on the heels U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan coming to campus, Russell said she would like more high-profile political figures to come to campus. “I want them to be here as a resource – a motivational resource – to show that the hard work they (students) are doing is not going to no avail,” Russell said. Bowden and Russell also said that the senate is looking into having B cycle sta-
tions on campus to allow people to rent bicycles and have a place to put them at or near campus when finished using them. It could cut down students commuting via car and alleviate some space on the Madison Metro buses. “We have a lot of students who ride bikes,” Russell said. “We are just trying to get people more environmentally friendly.” Russell said she would like to continue to distribute information on FAFSA and Pell grants so students will be more empowered and may have a better chance to receive help to get through school. “The more information we can get to them the better off they will be,” Russell said.
Vacant senate seats
Currently, there are two open seats in the senate. Student Senate is trying to fill the vacancies. Bowden said filling positions is important to create more success for the senate in the spring semester. “It’s critical to have as many folks on senate as we can to fully represent the student body,” Bowden said. “We really appreciate what they do.” If interested in becoming a senator, attend the meetings and talk to representatives on the senate. Then, potential senators may fill out an application online at www.madisoncollegestudentsenate.com. Student Senate meetings are held 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Officers are expected to work 12-15 hours per week on senate-related business. For more information on the senate, email senate@madisoncollege.edu.
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | NEWS | 5
DRIVEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 prompted her to go into the trade skills for which she and her grandfather share a passion. Serfoss did her research and decided to go into the Auto Collision program at Madison College. A big factor in her decision was the high level of employment among graduates from the program. Serfoss said she had some fears going back to college. “Before I went back to school I thought it was going to be like going back to high school, it was going to be a trudge, and that for sure it was going to suck,” Serfoss said. However, being a Madison College student, she said, is actually much more involving than what she thought. “The staff at Madison College is incredible at helping you reach your goals, I myself feel the ambition, the enthusiasm, the excitement, it’s not at all what I thought I was going to see, it’s much more involving,” Serfoss said. Her involvement with school has helped her to do well and successfully finish school, she said. Serfoss said she hopes to get into painting and eventually get onto a major motorcycling circuit and have opportunities for exposure. Serfoss said she wants to bring back the particular trade that she has such a passion for and will continue to reach for the
Enjoying the snow
“Life has way too much to offer to sit idle and watch it pass by. If your first career doesn’t work, try another.” - HEATHER SERFOSS AUTO COLLISION STUDENT possibilities. “I’m just driven to accomplish bigger, better things – both personally and professionally. Sure, the money is a factor as well, but life has an endless amount of options, and then an endless amount of success to be had in each option and variation thereof,” Serfoss said. “I feel like I’d be a fool to settle for the mundane. Life has way too much to offer to sit idle and watch it pass by. If your first career doesn’t work, try another.” Serfoss said she is thankful for her opportunity for another chance to find her niche at the college and be able to move on from there. “I bet on myself instead of listening to what everyone has said to me,” Serfoss said. “Bigger (and) better things are waiting for me. ... That’s what drives me.”
POCAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in the past, which puts money toward vocational schools and technical training. He has also shown support for Pell grants. “Almost anything that can get students into these doors he will support,” Russell said. Other senate members have expressed their anticipation for
Pocan’s visit to Madison College as well. “It will be really neat to have him here because we follow parliamentary procedure too in our meetings,” said Kristin Zeier, vice president of public relations for the Student Senate.
JACOB ENNIS / CLARION
A group of students buid a snowman outside the administration building at Madison College’s Truax Campus on Friday, Jan. 17.
TASER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 necessarily see it as a first step. However, he said that could still be in the future, but right now Tasers for these officers are right for the college. “Tasers don’t kill people. They are a good, viable, non-lethal option,” he said. “I hope the discussion (concerning firearms) continues,” he said. It may be unsurprising that McFarlane supports the resolution, considering the lieutenant had a hand it writing it and getting it passed. “Before we were armed, sometimes people would come up to us and ask us why we
weren’t. A lot of the students simply expect the security to be armed,” he said. Only the full-time, police-trained officers are armed with the new Tasers. Student officers will not be armed, and strict regulations govern the use of the weapons and non-lethal devices. McFarlane himself is a police Taser trainer, and has trained many of our Public Safety officers in their use. “Most of our incidents on campus are not from the student body, but from visitors and guests,” he said. “I have had a lot of good, positive interactions with the student body here.”
6 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
opinion
THE CLARION
THEBUZZ
Questions asked to you, our readers.
EDITOR: KAREN CASS
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
CLARIONOPINION@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
“I want to learn a lot more and make the Dean’s List.”
“Learning -- my life motto is to learn all things.”
“(I’m) hoping to make new friends.” – Kelsey Shaw
– Kendale Nation
Education should be about more than just landing your next job
IS YOUR RESOLUTION
DANIEL HERRON Multimedia Editor Why are we here? Not in the existential, is-there-a-god sense, but in the very concrete sense of why we are here at Madison College. What is the purpose of education? The easy answer is money. Without a degree, in today’s market, it’s hard to get a job that is any more prestigious (read: well-paid) than flipping burgers. On the other hand, many degrees don’t actually make this any better; but is that really the point? Sure, money is important, but we shouldn’t let it define our lives, should we? Education isn’t just about money. It’s not even just about learning how to do your job. Education expands our horizons, exposes us to new ways of thinking and solving problems, and makes us face our weaknesses and, perhaps, overcome them. The more we know how the world works, the better we understand it’s hidden mechanisms, the better we are able to find a place in it that we can be happy. Not only that, but the better we understand how the world manipulates us the better able we are to defend ourselves from malicious intent. The more you know about biochemistry and the food sciences, the better able you are to make good decisions about what food you buy and eat. The more you know about finance, the better decisions you can make concerning investment and property management. It is not just the hard sciences that show us how to live, but the soft sciences as well. Psychology tells us why we do what we do and what to look for in a life partner. Philosophy shows us how to think about what might actually make us happy, and what it means to be a good person. English allows us to communicate our insights to others, and foreign languages not only expand the field of those we can communicate with but also our understanding of their points of view, providing, perhaps, a new perspective on our own problems. The point is this: come to class. Listen, interact and do the assignments, even if you hate the subject. This isn’t high school; our teachers are here because they love teaching. UW hires based on how well people research, but Madison College hires based on teaching ability. Everyone is here for one purpose, and one purpose only: to help you learn about the world and all it’s diverse glory. Take advantage of this, for you will likely never get an opportunity like this again.
CLARION EDITORIAL BOARD 2013-2014 Michael Klein
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Andrea DeBauche ARTS EDITOR
Jacob Ennis
Karen Cass
MANAGING EDITOR
OPINION EDITOR
Ryan Spoehr
Natalie Sowl
NEWS EDITOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Daniel Herron
Christopher Pinkert
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
The views expressed by The Clarion editorial board do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Madison College, its student body or any faculty therein. They are comprised of the writers listed above and/or of those who write for the Opinion section. LETTERS POLICY Letters to the editor should be typed or written legibly, be 250 words or less, and include the writer’s name, phone number and email address. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All submissions become the property of The Clarion and may be used for publication. Drop letters off at The Clarion office, Room C1410 Truax, or email them to clarioned@madisoncollege.edu.
– Julia VanAsten
WEIGHING YOU DOWN?
MCT CAMPUS ILLUSTRATION
Try smaller steps ONAWA POWELL Copy Editor
A
t the beginning of every new year, people all over have made all kinds of different New Year’s resolutions. People search for things in their lives that they would like to change or improve on for the new year to come. Some people strive to be nicer, to speak out more, to save more money, to make more friends or to eat healthier foods. One of the most common resolutions people have is to get into shape. In January, gyms are crowded with people attempting to fulfil their resolutions and get in shape. However by February, gyms get less and less populated. The hype of New Year’s resolutions has faded away and many people go back to their lives forgetting the changes they had once hoped to make. This year doesn’t have to be this way though. If you have made any sort of resolution this year, with a little extra attention, you can make
the changes that you have been wanting to make and maintain them. In order to do this you have to first work your change into your life. Whatever it is you are setting out to do differently this year, you have to carve out specific time just for that thing or you have to work it into your life in a consistent way. Simply saying you will do something is not sufficient. A helpful way to work some changes into your schedule is by attaching it to another habit you already have in place. For example, your resolution was achieving rock-hard abs and you’re already in the habit of brushing your teeth every night. Now say you’ll do 50 sit-ups every night after you brush your teeth. However, how far will 50 miserable sit-ups get you? It is important not to expect too much of yourself at once. To effectively make big changes in your life, you have to work them in gradually. Think of yourself on the first floor of a building and think of
your goal or the change you wish to make to be on the second floor. How do you reach that goal on the second floor? Take manageable steps towards your goal and be patient with yourself. Recognize when you’ve given yourself too much change and allow yourself a break. When 50 sit-ups feel too easy, then do 100 or find some other abdominal toning exercise and be patient because eventually you will have the ability to look like Superman. Once you have worked your resolution into your life, take time to reflect and see how you have progressed. By observing what has gone well for you and what hasn’t worked, you can make even more changes in working towards your goal. How were you successful? Listen to that and you can become even more successful. By being consistent, patient, and observant, you can work your way up to fulfilling and maintaining all types of wonderful New Year’s resolutions.
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | OPINION | 7
LETTERFROMTHEEDITORS A quick word from graphic designer Christopher Pinkert
T
he first few weeks of the New Year have come and gone; a new semester is upon us. I am eager to complete, this, my final term in the IT Programmer/Analyst Program here at Madison College. Before I move full swing into this last round of classes, I want to keep in mind what made 2013 exceptional and not just a blur. For me, it was a healthy spirit of adventure.
I am someone who tends to keep things well within my comfort zone. In the past I had contributed a few illustrated puzzles to The Clarion for its amusement page, but I hadn’t really gotten involved with the group. I was in The Clarion office one day in August and Michael Klein, the editor in chief, was discussing the need for a last minute illustration – it would be due by the end
of the day. I wanted to keep quiet, but a wiser part of me mouthed the words that I would give it a try. I am so glad I did. For the rest of 2013 I contributed illustrations to run alongside articles, I met a great bunch of people and I found a niche where I feel like I really belong. I encourage you this semester to raise your hand, introduce yourself, take on Clarion graphic artist Christopher Pinkert. something new and erase the blur.
WEATHERING WINTER
EVAN HALPOP / CLARION
Students stand out in the cold weather as they wait at the bus stop near the Truax campus to board a Madison Metro bus.
Try these tips to stay warm while you wait for your bus ONAWA POWELL Copy Editor
W
hether you are driving or taking the bus, transportation in the winter can be a pain. With the luxury of a car, the bitterly cold winter days aren’t as difficult to avoid – and we all know of the bitterly cold days living in Wisconsin. However, if you are forced to rely on the bus for transportation or you have simply made that choice, knowing how to stay warm while waiting is essential.
Here are three simple steps for bus riders to avoid being miserably cold. First of all, plan ahead and decide what the shortest possible time is that is necessary to spend waiting outside for your bus. It is important to arrive at your bus stop five minutes before the listed arrival time of your bus; sometimes buses are early and they don’t wait. To find out ahead of time where your bus might be and when it will come, you can call the Metro Bus Customer Service Center at (608) 266-4466.
Wearing the right winter clothes seems like an obvious step to staying warm but it is shocking how many shivering, coatless people you will find waiting for the bus. Dressing appropriately for the winter cold means that you are wearing a hat, mittens, a scarf, warm boots and a warm jacket. Thick clothing and lots of layers are ideal. Doing cardio at the bus stop might look a little silly, but moving your body and jumping up and down helps to generate some heat. If you don’t wish to flail around in public, you can also generate
heat using a yoga move called the chair pose. Standing, waiting for the bus, to get into chair pose, bend your knees with your thighs as parallel to the ground as you can get. If you do this with your legs together you will stay warmer, then press your thighs into each other as hard as you can to generate lots of heat. After following these three steps, waiting for the bus in the winter should be much more enjoyable and those bitterly cold temperatures won’t seem as miserable.
Tips to stay safe when driving this winter KAREN CASS Opinion Editor It’s winter and it’s quite chilly out there. One of the last thing you may want is to be stuck on the highway in winter. Here are some tips to help you out.
Battery and fluids
MCT CAMPUS ILLUSTRATION
Inspect your battery and cables for erosion and cracks, and replace or repair as necessary. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it. Keep jumper cables in your trunk in case your battery won’t start. For winter, switch to a thinner motor oil and adjust the ratio of coolant to water in your radiator. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a professional for the appropriate numbers. Also top off your windshield washer fluid and consider replacing
your windshield wiper blades. To prevent a frozen gas line, refill your tank often. You may want to keep your gas tank at least half full. It’s a good idea to keep extra of these fluids and a funnel in your trunk.
Tires
Tire pressure drops in colder weather, so monitor your tire pressure. Your owner’s manual will provide you with the ideal tire pressure. Some vehicles also alert you to low tire pressure; do not ignore the warning. Lower tire pressure causes less traction, which increases your risk of an accident. Invest in decent tires. You may believe you can get a few more months out of those balding tires, but winter is the worst time to have bare tread. Experts suggest using snow tires in the winter, but if you don’t have space for an extra set of tires, you can
purchase all-season tires. Either option is much safer than driving on bald tires. Always keep a spare tire and a jack in your trunk and know how to use them.
Emergency kit
In addition to a spare tire, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Stranded vehicles are a reality, especially during winter, when freezing temperatures and precipitation result in dangerous driving conditions. Some retailers sell pre-packaged emergency kits, or you can make your own. A basic vehicle emergency kit should include road flares, hazard cones, non-perishable snacks and a flashlight with spare batteries. In addition, your winter-specific kit should include blankets, gloves, a small, sturdy shovel, an extra ice scraper and hand warmers.
8 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
THE CLARION
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | 9
arts EDITOR: ANDREA DEBAUCHE CLARIONARTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
Experiencing the
Emerald Isle
Studying abroad heightens student’s perception of the world ROBIN GEE Graphic Designer “So, how was your trip?” This question has been on almost everybody’s lips for the last two weeks. I just came back from spending four months studying in Carlow, Ireland, and everyone who knows me wants to know how it was. “Uhhh … great,” is my generic response. It’s hard to explain concisely what it’s like to pick up from a place you’ve lived your entire life, and move to a completely different continent — without any friends, family, and not a lot of knowledge about the culture. The truth is, parts of it were great, and parts of it were really, really hard. When I left for Ireland, I had a lot of expectations for what the experience would be like. I expected beautiful landscapes and ruined castles, making Irish friends, and plenty of good craic. What I didn’t expect was spending a night in Dublin Airport because I had missed my flight to Scotland, and the next flight was at 7 the next morning. There were also the challenges that come from living on one’s own for the first time, and attending a religious school as a secular student. Living abroad has broadened my view of both America and the world at large. I appreciate a lot of things about my home and my city now that I didn’t before. After going to school in a building that is over 200 years old, the elevators and shiny new Gateway at Madison College seem pretty incredible. Coming home from living abroad can cause as much
CLARION STAFF PHOTO
Robin Gee, left, joins some friends on a trip in the countryside while studying in Carlow, Ireland. culture shock as moving to a new country. Being back in Madison is as strange as visiting an old childhood haunt as an adult. Ultimately, I’m very happy to be back among my friends and family, but studying abroad was one of the most important and valuable things I have ever done, and it’s an experience I would highly recommend. Living abroad heightens one’s perception of the
world, teaches important skills such as communication and coping when out of one’s comfort zone, and really shows what a small, interconnected world we live in. While visiting Paris, I met some other American students who were studying in Ireland, who happened to be from Green Bay. Strange coincidences like that were one of the highlights of meeting people abroad. One can find a connection to home in the least expected places. Living in Ireland was an important experience. It was more than just a trip or a vacation — it was an immersion into another culture. The connections I made to the people in Carlow, and to the country itself, are connections that will last a lifetime. The perspective I gained on my own country was fascinating. I was in Ireland during the federal government’s shutdown in September, and it was interesting to see it from the perspective of my European classmates. Taking classes such as Psychology and Irish Literature made me examine what it means to be Irish, as well as what it means to me to be American. How those cultures differ, and what values Americans hold most important, compared to Europeans, is interesting. It helped me to create a great appreciation for the differences and similarities in the world. I’m glad to be back home in Madison, but my experience in Ireland, and the perspective it brought me, is invaluable. Studying abroad was both one of the hardest and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and I’m grateful that I got to know a little of the hospitality and good fun of the emerald island.
Student showcase displays the ‘Art of Innovation’ ANDREA DEBAUCHE Arts Editor Through January, Madison College is exhibiting the “Art of Innovation,” showcasing student work and trade tools from the School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology. Pieces include both old and new manufacturing tools, pictures and information from the Electron Microscopy program and award-winning student work from the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish program. One of the most impressive pieces is a custom hood entirely designed and painted by students. It sports stylish blue flames and a title honoring the program: “Madison Collision Custom.” Skills learned through the program were used to create the car hood, such as refinishing processes and custom painting and airbrushing techniques. It was completed by three students in just three days. The custom hood was awarded first place for its design and
custom finish in a national competition hosted by SEMA. It was a first-time entry into one of the world’s largest automotive refinishing industry conventions. Another corner of the exhibit shows some interesting magnified images from the Electron Microscopy program. Many students at Madison College might not realize that the program is only one of two in the whole country, making the skills they learn here even more important. The program stresses a hands-on approach for learning to operate electron microscopes and related equipment. Students learn to prepare, as well as interpret, biological samples. Other skills include X-ray microanalysis, computer-image processing and maintenance of microscopes and equipment. “Art of Innovation” is showing in The Gallery, located in Room A1005 at Truax. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayThursday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31.
PHOTO SUBMITTED TO THE CLARION
The “Art of Innovation” will be on display in the Truax Campus Gallery throughout the month of January. It showcases student work from the School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology.
10 | ARTS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
47 RONIN
H2F Entertainment, Mid Atlantic Films, Moving Picture Company, Stuber Productions The original tale of the “Revenge of the 47 Ronin” dates back to the start of the 18th century, and it has become something of a national legend in Japan. It exemplifies bushido and the values that that country has traditionally held dear. Somehow, adopting the tale to American cinema didn’t totally destroy this core, moving story. Embellishments were added, of course. Being Americans, we could not help but add amazing visuals, supernatural powers and special effects. But “47 Ronin” isn’t simply “Lord of the Rings” set in Japan. It is a retelling of a culturally centric tale, and a good one at that. The cinematography is reminiscent of other Asian movies that have made it big in the U.S., such as “Hero” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Strong use of color differentiates good from bad, season from season, and mundane and supernatural—all are very prevalent in the movie. Keanu Reeves plays a character that is stoic and foreign, a role well within his range. The other characters are all well acted and developed, and the script is very well written. The worst criticism I can make is that there were a few missed opportunities for visually profound moments, but these would simply be ways to improve the movie and their absence does not detract noticeably. “47 Ronin” is an excellent movie. If you are looking for an actionpacked American fantasy movie, go watch “Fable.” If you are looking for an excellent Japanese-cinema style action-drama starring Hiroyuki Sanada, watch this movie. It is very, very good.
— DANIEL HERRON
PREVIEWS JAN 31 THAT AWKWARD MOMENT PG-13 Three best friends, all in separate relationships, find themselves in the age-old confusing moment in every dating relationship when you ask, “So, where is this going?” LABOR DAY PG-13 A depressed single mother and her son offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride who is an escaped convict. As police search, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become more limited.
FEB 7 THE MONUMENTS MEN PG-13 An unlikely World War II platoon is tasked to rescue artwork from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners.
THE CLARION
film
HER
DIRECTOR: SPIKE JONZE Annapurna Pictures
DIGITAL LOVE Spike Jonze’s romantic comedy is both intriguing and heartwarming TOM RICHARDSON Staff Writer Everyone deserves to love someone, and to be loved. Theodore Twombly hasn’t found his true love yet, but the latest operating system for his computer is going to help him. In “Her,” Spike Jonze returns once again to the directing chair for this sci-fi romance tale about true love and man’s love with technology. Viewers are introduced to a lonely writer named Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix). He writes and designs romantic cards for couples who are madly in love. Though Theodore’s career is very much about romantic relationships, he doesn’t have a relationship of his own. After going through a rough divorce
SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY
Samuel Goldwyn Films Red Hour Films New Line Cinema
Walter Mitty is a downcast dude on the brink of a layoff for his position at Life Magazine. Corporate manager Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) has a pretentious beard, and gives him grief as the magazine transitions from print to digital. His coworker crush, Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), is only tangible in the extended fantasies he’s prone to. The secret life he imagines in his daydreams is full of adventure, and a recess from his own mundane life. But when a missing photo for the magazine takes him on a voyage to find its photographer (Sean Penn), he gets a taste of real-life adventure. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is the second film adaptation of James Thurber’s short story of the same name from 1939. The first film was made
with his wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara), Theodore decides to try something different with his next relationship. He gets ahold of a special operating system for his computer that allows one to socially interact with the special software, just like it was a human being. Theodore’s relationship with the new operating system, by the name of Samantha (the voice of Scarlett Johansson), starts to take a romantic turn, and for the first time in a long time, Theodore feels like he is at ease with himself. But like any relationship, there comes a point where disagreements start to occur, and certain things need work from both the man and the woman. Theodore learns more about himself, and what he truly wants in a relationship, through this romantic journey with his new operating system. “Her” is easily one of the most original romantic comedies that has been made in a while. Its concept is truly brilliant, and director Spike Jonze has a wellestablished art direction for this film. in 1947, starring Danny Kaye. It’s a fun story. The daydream sequences leaves a lot of room to play with the crazy whims of a man’s imagination, and indeed they’re the best part of the film. He saves the girl, the girl sings karaoke to him and he tells off his boss. However, there’s not as much comedy in the film as you’d expect from Ben Stiller, both as the lead role and director. The story has a heart-warming undertone that appeals to the audience to follow their daydreams and live how they imagine, but it’s a little too serious. Stiller was likely going for a serious tone to hit home the message of the film, but it reflected too much in his acting. Overall, Stiller’s directing was successful. There’s some beautiful landscaping during his adventures, and the art and photography style are above par. The daydream scenes are humorous and fun. The acting from Stiller and supporting actors, including Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott and Sean Penn, was all good. The only thing that could have endeared the audience to Mitty more,
The film’s look into the not-so-distant future is both unique and believable. The film is also brilliantly shot. There are some conversations in the film that are very moving and deep, about the current state of relationships, and about life in general. Though Spike Jonze’s latest directing efforts are fantastic, there were a few bumps along the way in this romantic journey. The first being that roughly the first 15 minutes of the movie feel a bit slower than it should. A confusing scene involving a hired surrogate might feel unnecessary for certain viewers. How the film decides to wrap-up Samantha’s (the operating system) side of the story might feel a tad underwhelming for certain viewers as well. But for those who want to see a unique take on a romance comedy, and for those who like to experience the unique cinematic vision of director Spike Jonze, this film should feel both heartwarming and intriguing.
would have been more comedy. Walter Mitty’s daydreaming, Average Joe character was worthy of a remake, and the film was successful in capturing his spirit. Fans, and anyone would enjoy this movie.
—Andrea DeBauche
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | ARTS | 11
The Journey Continues
DANIEL HERRON Multimedia Editor There must be a lot of pressure involved in the making of a movie like “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” First, you must meet the expectations of all the fans out there who fell in love with the original novel. Secondly, you must meet the expectations of all the new fans who fell in love with the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Thirdly, you must make a good movie with a coherent plot and good character development. Finally, and most challenging of all, you
must somehow make the second movie in a trilogy engaging and able to stand on its own, something that arguably hasn’t been done since “The Empire Strikes Back.” The rise or fall of this second “Hobbit” movie can be laid at the feet of its producer and director, Peter Jackson. Did he succeed at this most epic and difficult of cinematographic quests? Not really. “The Desolation of Smaug” is riddled with problems. At times its CGI is beautiful and breathtaking, but at other times it is disappointing and amateurish. The act-
ing varies from intimate and believable to over-the-top and forced. And the plot is split in two — half following the book, and the other half foreshadowing the war to come in “Lord of the Rings.” “The Desolation of Smaug” suffers the same problem that second-in-a-trilogy movies have suffered for decades. It feels like filler. Nothing of real, lasting significance occurs, because that is all saved for the last movie. Nothing truly new is introduced, because all that happened in the first movie. All that being said, the second “Hobbit” is, in fact, a good movie. Before
you watch it, take a step back and forget the epic expectations that you have, forget that it’s part of the “Lord of the Rings” series, forget all of the demands that your love of the original book will put on it, and just watch the movie. It is funny, dramatic and well acted, and the visuals are stunning. “The Desolation of Smaug” is a good movie, and just that. Not a wonderful movie, not an epic movie, not a life-changing movie — but a good movie.
STALLONE VS.
DeNIRO TOM RICHARDSON Staff Writer People have always wondered who would win in a boxing match between the classic fictional characters Rocky Balboa and Jake LaMotta, featured in the movies “Rocky” & “Raging Bull,” respectively. Director Peter Segal has finally answered this long-awaited cinematic question with his new boxing comedy “Grudge Match” starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, the actors originally responsible for the fame of those iconic characters. In “Grudge Match,” Henry ‘Razor’ Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) and Billy ‘The Kid’ McDonnen (Robert De Niro) have been boxing rivals for a long time. But shortly before the two have their long-awaited grudge match fight, Razor Sharp decides to retire from boxing. Years later, when both Sharp and McDonnen are elderly men, they get approached to do some motion capture work for a new boxing video game. They agree to do it. But when the two boxers encounter each other within the game studio, a huge fight breaks out and is immediately shared all over the news. Now, people want to see an official grudge match between Razor Sharp and Kid McDonnen, after all these years of ignoring it. The men must now prepare for their big upcoming fight, but neither one has fought in years. For those who loved the “Rocky” films and “Raging Bull,” this new boxing comedy should be a real treat, with some familiar faces amongst the acting talents. Viewers will love the “Rocky” and
“Raging Bull” references throughout the film, as it feels very nostalgic. The goofy promotions that Stallone and De Niro do for their upcoming fight are also a ton of fun to watch. Some effective drama is provided by moments that De Niro and his son have serious conversations. Though many might find the film to be a knockout, there were moments that could have used improvement. The choice of having the film be a boxing comedy over a straight-up sport drama might disappoint some viewers. This film may have been even better if the
comedic moments were replaced with moments of effective drama. There were also some occasional plot holes and cheats throughout the storyline that could frustrate viewers. Fans of the “Rocky” films might not like that De Niro seems to get more screentime over Stallone’s character, when it should have been both characters having equal importance. But for those who love “Rocky,” and “Raging Bull,” and the sport of boxing in general, this film is a must-see.
Films starring Sylvester Stallone include: • Grudge Match (2013) • Escape Plan (2013) • The Expendables 2 (2012) • Bullet to the Head (2012) • Zookeeper (2011) • The Expendables (2010) • Rambo (2008) • Rocky Balboa (2006) • Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003) • Get Carter (2000) • Antz (1998) • Judge Dredd (1995) • The Specialist (1994) • Demolition Man (1993) • Cliffhanger (1993) • Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992) • Rocky V (1990) • Tango & Cash (1989) • Lock Up (1989) • Rambo III (1988) • Cobra (1986) • Rocky IV (1985) • Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) • First Blood (1982) • Rocky III (1982) • Rocky II (1979) • Rocky (1976) Films starring Robert De Niro include: • Grudge Match (2013) • American Hustle (2013) • The Family (2013) • The Big Wedding (2013) • Silver Linings Playbook (2012) • Little Fockers (2010) • Machete (2010) • Righteous Kill (2008) • Arthur and the Invisibles (2006) • Meet the Fockers (2004) • Shark Tales (2004) • Meet the Parents (2000) • Men of Honor (2000) • The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000) • Wag the Dog (1997) • Heat (1995) • Casino (1995) • Cafe Fear (1991) • Backdraft (1991) • Goodfellas (1990) • Midnight Run (1988) • The Untouchables (1987) • Raging Bull (1980) • The Deer Hunter (1978) • The Godfather: Part II (1974)
MCT CAMPUS PHOTOGRAPH
12 | ARTS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
music
THE CLARION
BEYONCE
BEYONCE Album Review
An album that hits home Beyoncé’s newly dropped album is full of vocal and visual surprises ERIN JOHNSRUD Staff Writer With Beyonce’s latest self-titled album, came an unprecedented occurrence. It wasn’t just like any other album release. There was no marketing through interviews on the music networks and no Rolling Stone cover. There was no pre-release single for radio play. It was exclusively dropped on iTunes. Every single song on this album is blessed with Beyoncé’s best vocal work ever, whether she’s going for a powerhouse R&B Diva or using a soft, breathy falsetto. Notable collaborations on “Beyoncé” are with hubby Jay Z, Drake, Frank Ocean, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Justin Timberlake and even daughter Blue Ivy. The album itself is full of sexual overtones, occasionally bordering on TMI, with arguably her most sexually-explicit songs to-date. That being said, it steers clear of raunchy. Songs like Mine featuring Drake, Superpower, an almost old school or Motown throwback featuring Frank Ocean, Rocket and Drunk in Love featuring Jay Z are tracks fans could listen to with their special someone. And ladies, next time you’re getting ready for a date with your man, listen to Partition, another sexy let’s-get-it-on
song from the album. I’m betting you and your man will both be glad you did. “Beyonce” has more to offer than just sexy. It has some pretty insightful songs as well, that deliver a message without getting all preachy. Pretty Hurts, for example, is a song about inner beauty that I challenge any woman not to relate to. Jealous is another track that has some “Wow, that hits home” lyrics with lines like, “And I love making you jealous but don’t judge me” and “And I know that I’m being hateful but that ain’t nothing/I’m just jealous/I’m just human). “***Flawless,” one of my favorite songs on the album, features a monologue from Nigerian feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The message that song delivers to women, combined with a ridiculously good beat – is sheer musical perfection. There’s plenty of upbeat fun to be had on this album as well, with tracks like Blow (don’t bother fighting not dancing when you’re listening to it), XO, Yonce (the interlude to Partition), No Angel, and Blue (in which Blue Ivy’s giggles close out the song). The video portion of the album, is every bit as good as the audio. Each clip is unique and they range from neon-dance/ roller-skating fun to legitimately frightening with the track Haunted. Time magazine has called this album “One of pop music’s most important moments.” This is an album that gets better with every play, and is well worth your time (and money) to listen to (and watch.) If you haven’t already, download it or buy on CD or DVD. It’s worth every penny of the extra cost to enjoy both the audio and visual aspects of this absolutely brilliant album.
Steam vs. Consoles: After Steam’s new ‘Big
games
Picture,’ what gaming experience is best for you?
Game of the Year 2013 Steam vs. Consoles
COLIN BOWDEN Staff Writer
President’s Picks: Game of the Year 2013 play Assassin’s Creed. AC IV however, deeply improved on the third installment with engaging environments, a good-enough story and complex, responsive gameplay. If you like pirates, you’ve already decided – this is the game for you.
Honorable Mentions Nominees
The Stanley Parable/Gone Home:
The Last of Us:
This game took us on a wild ride through a dystopian zombie warzone and more importantly an interesting, somewhat warped father-daughter drama. The graphics showed off the power of the outgoing PlayStation 3 and the story was gripping.
These enigmatic games told stories and showed games as art more than shootem-ups or beat-em-ups to trudge through. Whether you’re walking through your office or searching your house, you learn about the character, their life and thought processes in beautiful and surprising ways. The only reason these are honorable mentions is because they are just too short an experience.
Grand Theft Auto V:
The best GTA to date, V brought us the new Heist mode, three sociopathic protagonists as opposed to one, and a beautiful reimagining of sunny Los Angeles, in the region called Los Santos. If you like Grand Theft Auto, do yourself the service of playing this one.
Bioshock Infinite:
In the ultra-racist city in the skies of Columbia, religious fanatics, powerful robotics and the fearsome Songbird gave us a wonderful story, perplexing twists and frantic action. This came out in the spring of last year, but I still remember it for good reason.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag:
And the Game of the Year is …
The Last of Us. In a great year for gaming, there were so many choices, but the game to put together a story that got people arguing and debating, graphics that gripped players, gameplay that kept them tense and characters that made you laugh and cry, that was called The Last of Us. If I didn’t have a PS3, I just might’ve gotten one to play this game, it was that good. It was more than good enough to deserve the honors as Game of the Year for 2013.
-COLIN BOWDEN
I usually don’t
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT
The online streaming service Steam has allowed gamers to play their favorite games right on their own computer and also share those games with others. Now Steam has added a feature to their service that may change the “Big Picture” when it comes to gaming at home. Steam now has a feature known as Big Picture, a new effort to allow users to use the application like a game console by plugging your computer into your TV. The screen changes to allow for easy use of a connected controller and looks and feels a lot like a game console. This begs the question: which is better, Steam on your PC, or an actual game console? For starters, it’s important to remember the other strengths behind Steam. Every week there are great deals on random games, some times as much as 75-80 percent off, encouraging you to look at games you might not have otherwise. Steam is also flexible, compatible with all the major computer operating systems for PC, Mac and Linux. With Big Picture, you can now play these games like you would with an XBOX or PlayStation. PC gamers have argued for more than a decade their gaming experiences involve more keys and thus more complexity. Imagine that some games involve most of the keys on a keyboard and your mouse instead of around a dozen inputs on a common controller, and think about how many actions and combinations that might mean for gameplay. However, there is at best limited game sharing allowed, as each instance you get a game is linked to your account. Sharing games is critical to a lot of players’ gaming experiences; with expensive games and ever-expanding abuse of downloadable content sales making games harder to attain, Steam can make sharing game experiences with lesswell-off friends difficult and frustrating.
Though there are so many games sales, they don’t always help you get the games you really want. Used games are possibly the best strength of consoles. Sony and Microsoft had a tough marketing fight around used games in 2013, including Microsoft shocking the world by saying they would disallow used games followed up by Sony mocking them. This led to Microsoft reversing course and changing their XBOX One to allow used games again. This proved the power of sharing in the game community, to the point where Steam only recently started a trial period to allow friends to share games as well, which were major points for consoles. Demerits however, must come when consoles ask their consumers to spend $60 for a single game. There are also rumors of games going up in price, and in this economy it’s difficult to justify such exorbitant costs. Add in that the hardware in consoles stays the same for years at a time while PCs constantly upgrade (themselves at escalating costs) and you have a very interesting debate. And so when it comes down to it, whether you try Steam or consoles is really about what kind of gamer you are. Do you prefer a dedicated gaming experience on your television? Do you want to use a controller for your games? Are you able to pay the hundreds for a new console every 5 to 7 years? Then maybe consoles are the way for you. Or would you rather have the complexity of a PC keyboard and mouse at your fingertips? Can you afford new hardware regularly and are you versed enough in technobabble to upgrade your own PC when needed? Do you feel comfortable using your computer to play games and then write that paper for Sociology? If so, then maybe you should give Steam a shot. Either way, as long as you know what kind of experience you want, you’ll get your choice right. Just remember there’s more out there to game than just what’s in front of you.
THE CLARION
sports EDITOR: NICHOLAS GARTON CLARIONSPORTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | 13
MEETTHEPACK
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Profiles of selected WolfPack athletes
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEAGAN MAZUR Meagan Mazur, a 5-7 guard, is in her first season with the Madison College women’s basketball team. A transfer student from UW-Stevens Point, she has averaged 14.3 points a game, 4.1 rebounds and four steals this year. Mazur scored a season-high 27 points against Triton College on Jan. 8. A three-year letter winner in both basketball and volleyball for Beaver Dam High School, she received second team all confer-
MAZUR
SCHIEVE
ence honors and was the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen Player of the Year in basketball. She is majoring in business and is the daughter of John and Michelle Mazur.
TANNER SCHIEVE Tanner Schieve is a 6-foot, 3-inch freshman guard on the WolfPack men’s basketball team. Through Jan. 15, Schieve has played in 13 games, averaging 4.8 points a game, three rebounds a game, and 2.4 assists a game. He scored a season-high 10 points against UW-Marathon on Jan. 13 and had seven steals in the game. Schieve was a three-year letter winner in basketball at Slinger High School and was named second team all conference his senior year. The son of Alan Schieve and Susan Johsnon-Schieve, he plans to major in elementary education.
Shooting woes bring basketball losing streak TYLER RICHTER Staff Writer
ELIZABETH OSTERBERGER / CLARION
Madison College student JJ Lowell works out in the Truax campus fitness center.
CROSSFIT TRAINING
High-intensity workouts push participants beyond old limits ELIZABETH OSTERBERGER Staff Writer As millions of Americans rush to their local gyms to fulfill New Year’s resolutions, they will choose various types of exercise based on specific benefits that each provides. For example, yoga enthusiasts boast the practice’s ability to generate a peaceful state of mind and an über-bendable body. Long-distance runners claim endurance is the key to “true” fitness and for some, the fountain of youth. Most workout strategies like these promise one or two primary benefits. One relatively new method, founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman, promises not one, not two, but nine essential benefits. This program’s growing popularity and
cult-like following are bound to draw a number of curious first-timers this time of year. This program, called CrossFit, is now practiced by members of more than 7,000 gyms across the United States. Those that commit themselves to the rigorous exercise routines are intended to experience increased endurance, stamina, flexibility, coordination, power, speed, agility, balance and accuracy — whew, exhausted yet? Glassman describes his trademarked program as, “a constantly varied and highly functional workout experience where every individual will be challenged and encouraged to give their very best.” Well that sounds very nice but doesn’t that kind of sound like the description of any workout program?
“Constantly varied?” — “Moderation is key” is hardly a new concept. “Highly functional?”— Yeah, so is “Workout: Starring Jane Fonda.” “Every individual will be challenged and encouraged?” — Sounds like my high school track team. So, without further adieu ....
What is CrossFit?
Expatriates Magazine says the program advocates a perpetually changing mix of aerobic exercise, body weight exercise, and Olympic weight lifting. CrossFit operates on a Workout of the Day (WOD) system. Hour-long classes are held at participating gyms, or in CrossFit lingo, “boxes,” and consist of a » SEE CROSSFIT PAGE 14
The Madison College men’s basketball team continues to struggle as conference play begins. The WolfPack came into this season’s conference opener against Triton College having lost its last five games. During the first half of the game, an undersized Madison College team went toe to toe with Triton and entered the locker room down by only two points. The WolfPack seemed primed to deliver an upset but the game slipped away in the second half and the WolfPack wound up losing 69-53. “They had size and athleticism on us at every position,” head coach Scot Vesterdahl said about Triton. Freshman guard Jeffry Cole cited communication issues as the major reason for the second-half meltdown. “That was probably the key component to us not being able to pull out that win was not communicating with each other. And we’re practicing that. The chemistry is getting a lot better, when we get chemistry is when we will be able to communicate with each other more” Cole said. While size and communication were factors in the game, shooting was also major factor, with Madison College only scoring 53 points. “Our problem was really when you score 53 points in a college game you’re not winning very often,” Vesterdahl said. “When you shoot 27 percent from the floor, you’re not gonna win a lot of games.” The WolfPack’s woes have continued as they followed they have now lost nine games in a row. Since the difficult game against Triton the team has had poor outings against Joliet, » SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 14
WolfPack rolling over competition NICHOLAS GARTON Sports Editor The WolfPack women’s basketball team has been on a roll and it could not have come at a better time. Early on in the season coach Jessica Pelzel said she knew the WolfPack had a deep roster, good defensive chemistry and a chance to make noise in the postseason. The key, she said, would be how the WolfPack competed during conference play. With a holiday trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., along with
the holidays themselves, it was unclear how the team would respond to conference play in late December and early January. Any questions about how the WolfPack would respond have been answered emphatically. The WolfPack opened conference play with a huge win over Triton College, winning, 86-28. It was a game that saw the WolfPack force 31 turnovers in the first half alone. Keying the WolfPack’s dominance was a full court press that had a demoralizing effect on Triton.
“Having them turn the ball over 31 times in the first half helps us out tremendously,” Pelzel said. “And that kind of pressure is going to help us all season.” In the sport of basketball there is almost no equalizer like that of stifling defensive pressure. Watching the WolfPack execute their press and using it to fuel transition baskets reinforces that sentiment. Triton’s players began to get exhausted which led to frustration, which led to utter » SEE WOLFPACK PAGE 14
EVAN HALPOP / CLARION
Madison College’s Meagan Mazur (40) tries to save a ball from going out of bounds against Triton College on Jan. 8.
14 | SPORTS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
THE CLARION
WOLFPACK
MCSPORTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 loss of composure both for its players and its coaches. The WolfPack followed their win against Triton with three straight wins last week, two of which came in overtime. Included in that streak was a 104-97 overtime win at MATC in Milwaukee, a team that was ranked fifth in the nation. Perhaps most notable during the three game streak was the re-emergence of star freshman guard Gabrielle Hood, who had been away from the team for personal reasons. Hood caught fire against Milwaukee, scoring 29 points and using her quick hands to come up with four steals, helping fuel the WolfPack’s vaunted defense. The WolfPack are now 11-5 with a 3-0 record in the conference. But Pelzel won’t let the team let up. “It’s gonna be tough. It’s gonna be a grind,” Pelzel said. “ We’ve got more good teams than not in the conference”. Looming large for the WolfPack is the Jan. 22 home game with longtime rival Rock Valley, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Pelzel said she only pays attention to how the teams matchup on the floor, not how their matched in the rankings. “The rankings are what they are. We don’t pay too much attention to it, whether we’re in it or not,” Pelzel said. “The big thing is that we play like we can against teams so that we can do the things we want to do and not concentrate so much on them.” Judging by the trail of opponents turnovers, miscues and low field goal percentages it is clear just what it is the WolfPack want to do. Pressure the ball and break the opponent’s will. That is what they have been doing all season and if they do it against Rock Valley on Wednesday, they will be a major step closer to accomplishing their lofty preseason goals.
Madison College schedules and results.
MEN’S BASKETBALL Schedule NOV. 8 NOV. 9 NOV. 13 NOV. 18 NOV. 23 NOV. 26 DEC. 3 DEC. 11 DEC. 13 DEC. 27 DEC. 28 JAN. 4 EVAN HALPOP / CLARION
Madison College’s Tanner Schieve (34) drives past a Triton College defender as teammate Griffin Eckhart (44) looks on.
BASKETBALL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
UW-Marathon and MATC Milwaukee. Madison College’s record now stands at 2-14 and 0-3 in the conference. The team’s next game is at home on Jan. 22 against Rock Valley College.
Milwaukee Area Technical College 79, Madison College 69
In its most recent game on Jan. 15, the WolfPack fought to a four-point halftime lead against Milwaukee Area Technical College before falling, 79-69. Shane Kanaman came of the bench to lead Madison College in scoring with 20 points, hitting 7 of his 13 shot attempts. Brandon Holz and Tanner
JAN. 8 JAN. 11 JAN. 13
Schieve each added nine points for the WolfPack.
UW-Marathon County 64, Madison College 54.
Host Marathon County jumped to an 11-point halftime lead that Madison College was unable to overcome on Jan. 13. Holz led the team with 14 points, while Schieve added 10.
Joliet Junior College 73, Madison College 59
On Jan. 11, after battling to within one point at halftime, Madison College hit just 18 percent of its shots in the second half (5 of 29) and quickly fell behind. Holz scored 16 points to lead the WolfPack.
JAN. 15 JAN. 18 JAN. 22 JAN. 25 JAN. 27 JAN. 29 FEB. 1 FEB. 5 FEB. 8
vs. Gogebic Community College, Coon Rapids, MN, 79-67 LOSS vs. Anoka-Ramsey CC, Coon Rapids, MN, 84-76 LOSS at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, Ill., 98-49 LOSS at home vs. Fox Valley Technical College, 107-70 WIN at Olive Harvey College, Chicago, Ill., 108-83 LOSS at Rochester CTC, Rochester, Minn., 85-61 LOSS at home vs. Elgin Community College, 75-68 WIN at Western Technical College, LaCrosse, 89-80 LOSS at home vs. College of Lake County, 75-53 LOSS Arizona Winter Trip, vs. Scottsdale Community College, 91-64 LOSS Arizona Winter Trip, vs. ChandlerGilbert CC, 67-63 LOSS at home vs. Kishwaukee College, 84-51 LOSS at home vs. Triton College, 69-53 LOSS at home vs. Joliet Junior College, 73-59 LOSS at UW-Marathon County, 64-54 LOSS at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, 79-69 LOSS at home vs. Wilbur Wright College, 3 p.m. at home vs. Rock Valley College, 7:30 p.m. at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Ill., 7 p.m. at Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, 7:30 p.m. at Harper College, Palatine, Ill., 7 p.m. at Triton College, River Grove, Ill., 3 p.m. at Joliet Junior College, Joliet Ill., 7 p.m. at home vs. Milwaukee Area Technical College, 7 p.m.
For a complete schedule of men’s basketball, visit madisoncollegeathletics.com.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CROSSFIT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 warm-up, a skill development instruction, the “Workout of the Day” and, finally, stretching. The WOD is where the high-intensity combination of cardio, weightlifting and body weight exercises come in. Often times, the WOD is scored in some capacity to give the participants more of a push to reach their full potential. The workouts can become a bit of a competition. The idea is urging athletes to be faster, stronger and more agile than their CrossFit counterparts will, in the end, make them realize how hard they can push themselves and what their bodies are truly capable of. “The biggest pro is definitely that it is high-intensity. With any high-intensity workout, you’re going to see results,” said Madison College Personal Training Development instructor Adam Crowley. CrossFit isn’t just popular in gyms. High schools, law enforcement agencies, and military organizations have all caught on to the trend and taken advantage of the dynamic program.
Cross-famous?
The summer of 2007 marked the first annual CrossFit Games. Competitors in the games show up with no idea of what to expect. They are thrown into various activities that are not part of the usual CrossFit regime. Athletes that want to qualify for the competition must first join an online competition called, “CrossFit Open.” This program allows CrossFitters from across the globe to enter their scores and times. The winning individuals then move on to regional competitions, and finally, the CrossFit Games. Winners of the Games are deemed “fittest on earth” and
at the 2013 games, the male and female winners took home $250,000 each — a number that has been on the rise since the Games’ inception. People from across the nation tune in to ESPN to watch the Reeboksponsored event yearly. The Games have made international superstars out of winners, key players, and those who just look really good while working out. People in the CrossFit community treat them with the sort of respect you would find in a Wisconsinite toward Clay Matthews or Aaron Rodgers.
“I think the biggest struggle with Crossfit is progression. Explains Crowley who, aside from teaching at Madison College, directs personal training a six gyms in the Madison area. They are asking people to come in and do high end training without properly conditioning them.” The Madison College graduate continues, “It’s destructive to people’s bodies. It quickly fatigues muscles and tendons which can lead to injury sooner than most workouts.”
How safe is it?
Dr. David Geier, Jr., an orthopedic surgeon and the director of sports medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina told Livestrong Magazine that the benefits of CrossFit outweigh the risks — but the risks are real. Crowley said that the workout program can be beneficial depending on your fitness level going in. “I think it’s great for former collegiate athletes who have been in strength and conditioning programs before,” Crowley said. “But for a 40-year-old mom who has never worked out a day in her life, it might not be the best starting place.” CrossFit is a great way to get people excited about working out and pushing themselves but just like other fitness programs, athletes need to know their limits and listen to their bodies instead of the environment around them. Also, because of the timed aspect of CrossFit workouts, it’s important that they keep form in mind instead of quantity of repetitions. When done correctly, CrossFit can improve those seven essential physical characteristics but it’s easy to lose sight of best practices when social and personal pressure blocks the view or proper training is not enforced.
CrossFit is a high-intensity, highimpact activity and because of that, minor injuries are to be expected. As with running, boxing, tennis and other sports, athletes who commit themselves to this program should consider the fact that their bodies are going to hurt after a while. But some exercise professionals dispute the CrossFit method, saying that they are “extremists” who take it too far. Uncle Rhabdo is an image commonly referred to in discussions of the health risks associated with CrossFit. Uncle Rhabdo is a cartoon clown who is illustrated as a very muscular man looking very sick and hooked up to an IV. He has Rhabdomyosis; a kidney condition induced by excessive exercise and underlying genetics. This condition causes extreme dehydration, which results in kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances and eventually, heart problems. CrossFit athletes in certain gyms are given Uncle Rhabdo stickers when they exercise to the point of throwing up or passing out. The sticker, intended to be a gentle reminder for athletes to control themselves, has become a bit of a humorous “congratulations.”
The moral of the story
Schedule NOV. 8 NOV. 9 NOV. 13 NOV. 18 NOV. 23 NOV. 26 DEC. 3 DEC. 11 DEC. 13 DEC. 29 DEC. 28 JAN. 4 JAN. 8 JAN. 11 JAN. 13 JAN. 15 JAN. 18 JAN. 22 JAN. 25 JAN. 27 JAN. 29 FEB. 1 FEB. 5 FEB. 8
vs. Gogebic Community College at Coon Rapids, Minn., 78-65 WIN vs. Anoka-Ramsey CC at Coon Rapids, Minn., 70-55 LOSS at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, Ill, 63-56 LOSS at home vs. Fox Valley Technical College, 68-48 WIN at Olive-Harvey College, Chicago, Ill., 121-61 WIN at Rochester CTC, Rochester, Minn., 75-66 WIN at home vs. Elgin CC, 80-58 WIN at Western Technical College, 67-64 LOSS at home vs. College of Lake County, 86-64 WIN Arizona Winter Trip, vs. Scottsdale Community College, 69-54 WIN Arizona Winter Trip, vs. South Plains College, 76-66 LOSS at home vs. Kishwaukee College, 75-68 LOSS at home vs. Triton College, 86-28 WIN at home vs. Joliet Junior College, 68-65 WIN at UW-Marathon County, 81-56 WIN at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, 104-97 WIN at home vs. Wilbur Wright College, 1 p.m. at home vs. Rock Valley College, 5:30 p.m. at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Ill., 1 p.m. at Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, 5:30 p.m. at Harper College, Palatine, Ill., 5 p.m. at Triton College, River Grove, Ill., 1 p.m. at Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Ill., 5 p.m. at home vs. Milwaukee Area Technical College, 5 p.m.
For a complete schedule of women’s basketball, visit madisoncollegeathletics.com.
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 | PUZZLED PLACES | 15
THELIGHTERSIDE PIC-A-LINK
Puzzles and Cartoons
CHRISTOPHER PINKERT / CLARION
MATHEMATICALCHANCE Chance Sanford / Clarion
The Traveling Salesman You are given a list of cities, and asked to find the shortest possible route between those cities, making sure to visit each location on the list. Your only requirement being that your trip must begin and end at the same city. How long do you think it will take to find such a route for say 33 cities? Of course you can take your pick of the world’s fastest supercomputers in your search for the answer. Well it may seem like a fairly simple task, especially with the help of a supercomputer. That is until you realize that the number of distinct possible routes is 32!/2 (read: thirty-two factorial divided by two), a number beginning with 131,565,418… and continuing for another 27 digits. It turns out that it would take around 28 tril-
BRUCE
lion years to find the optimal route for 33 cities by using a brute force method – that is without some sort of algorithm – even with one of the fastest computers available. The task you have just been given is called the Traveling Salesman Problem, so called because one of its first iterations was connected with finding the optimal routes for traveling salesmen. It is what is called a NP-Hard problem in combinatorial optimization. Problems related to the TSP go back to the time of Euler in the 1700s with the Bridges of Konigsberg problem, but wasn’t explicitly stated until the early 1900s. Interest increased around the 1950s with three RAND Corp. mathematicians Dantzig, Fulkerson, and Selmer providing an algo-
JONATHAN ALLEN / CLARION
rithmic solution to a 48 city TSP. Despite their success there still isn’t a truly efficient algorithm for finding optimal solutions to the TSP. The question is: what is an efficient algorithm? Essentially, mathematicians are looking for an algorithm that can solve the problem in time proportional to nk for some fixed number k, as opposed to kn. Therefore, a growth rate of n3 is considered good while a growth rate of 3n is not. A little checking and you soon realize that 3n quickly outpaces n3, reaching 20+ digit numbers before n3 reaches one million. If one day someone were to find an efficient algorithm, applications for the TSP could be found in many areas of academia and industry. Besides the obvious examples closely related to the TSP, such
as route planning for shipping or delivery companies, there are less obvious applications. Some notable applications include finding efficient ways to manufacture items like computer chips to research relating to DNA sequencing. The Pizza Problem Phil and Alex want to order pizza for dinner. Phil really likes the crust on his pizzas, whereas Alex would rather have less crust on his. They both have $20 to spend with their choice of an 8 inch pizza for $6, a 12 inch for $10, and a 16 inch for $14. Which pizza(s) should Phil and Alex buy to maximize and minimize the amount of crust respectively? Questions or comments? Email me at csanford2@madisoncollege.edu.
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis / MCT Campus
BLISS
HARRY BLISS / MCT
ACROSS 1 Given to back talk 6 Not together 11 Org. in many Tom Clancy novels 14 Love lots 15 Serious grime 16 Former Boston Bruin Bobby 17 *Scoop for fruit 19 Photo taker, briefly 20 Place to swim 21 Brand with a “Twist, Lick, Dunk” app 22 Holy images 24 Post-OR place 26 Like some bases and kisses 28 Parade debris 32 Slump in one’s seat 35 Stay away from 36 The “I” in IBM: Abbr. 38 However, for short 39 Bishop’s domain 41 Earlier than desired 44 Finish 45 Paris airport 47 Totally out there 48 Bank employee 51 “M*A*S*H” star 53 Firstborn 55 Battleship letters 56 “My Cousin Vinny” star Joe 58 Pressure from the cops 60 Govt. job-safety gp. 64 Gen. Eisenhower’s WWII command 65 *Single-minded auditor 68 Bearded African beast 69 More pathetic, as excuses go 70 French Revolution figure killed by Corday 71 Tree juice 72 Piano practice piece 73 Walks with difficulty DOWN 1 Bedside light 2 Thought: Pref. 3 Sport played on horseback 4 Very productive, as a writer
5 Currency of Japan 6 Many miles off 7 Enters all at once 8 Distribute in shares 9 U.S. 66, for one 10 Wave of excitement 11 *Certain palm tree extract 12 Tehran’s country 13 “A Farewell to __” 18 Prizefight 23 Corporate VIP 25 Hand over 27 Norwegian metropolis 28 Army trainee 29 Like ewes and rams 30 *Pasta-based first course 31 Ballpark level 33 Musical triad 34 Civic or Accord 37 Texter’s “until next time” 40 Hopping mad 42 Possesses 43 Like Christmas wrap and tree ornaments 46 Approached bedtime 49 Partners’ legal
entity: Abbr. 50 Safe to consume 52 Civic or Accord 54 SeaWorld orca 56 Wooden pins 57 Europe’s highest active volcano 59 Land measure 61 Houston MLBer 62 Noggin, and a hint to the starts of the answers to starred clues 63 Liberal __ 66 Do lunch, say 67 Official behind a catcher
16 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
THE CLARION
d e t c e l e r u o y t Mee s r e d a e L t n e d Stu